Division Head - Computational Fluid Dynamics

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 203,808 - 336,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount for employees, Sp

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Division Head for the CFD Division within the FDAO to lead a team of engineers and research faculty delivering state‑of‑the‑art CFD tools to DoD and industrial sponsors.

Remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed and may be considered only per project‑dependent ability; travel to remote locations is required periodically. The role requires eligibility for Top Secret clearance and leadership experience in CFD.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in engineering or science; 10+ years related experience.
• Proven PI experience in CFD focusing on hydromechanics/hydroacoustics and related areas.
• Strong CFD research track record and leadership experience.
• Experience managing people and teams; strong communication skills.
• Eligible for Top Secret clearance per background checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform design and performance analyses using CFD tools for diverse applications.
• Drive CFD development, V&V methods, and advanced HPC-focused code optimization.
• Provide technical oversight of simulations and cross‑organizational collaboration.
• Lead CFD division, including recruitment, development and retention of staff.
• Collaborate with FDAO and other ARL offices to expand research portfolio.

Skills

CFD research leadership

Supervisory experience

Verbal and written communication

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Master’s degree or higher in engineering or science

Bachelor’s Degree with 19+ years experience (senior path)

Tools

STAR-CCM+

Job description

Position Overview

We are searching for a Division Head for the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Division in the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Division Head will lead a premier group of approximately fifteen engineers and research faculty to bring state‑of‑the‑art computational fluid dynamics tools to our Department of Defense and industrial sponsors.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform design and performance‑support analyses using in‑house and commercial CFD tools for a broad range of applications, including undersea vehicles, propulsion, coupled hydrodynamics/hydroacoustics, aerodynamics, and complex multi‑physics systems.
• Drive technical development and improvements in CFD, including code development, V&V, and new methodologies to solve complex flows such as cavitation, multiphase flows, vehicle maneuvering, turbomachinery, fluid‑structure/fluid‑acoustic interactions, drag reduction, signatures, and code optimization for modern HPC systems.
• Provide technical oversight of complex simulations and interface across the organization to ensure high‑quality research output.
• Perform organizational leadership of the CFD Division, including personnel management, recruitment, development, and retention of employees.
• Work with the FDAO management team and other ARL offices to build the research portfolio, improve technical capabilities, and enhance cross‑discipline cooperation and collaboration.

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in an engineering or science discipline, or equivalent experience (10+ years related experience).
• Past success as a Principal Investigator in computational fluid dynamics with a focus on hydromechanics, hydroacoustics, maneuvering and controls, propulsion systems, or related disciplines.
• Strong research track record in CFD, with demonstrated expertise in relevant domains.
• Previous success managing people with supervisory experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience writing white papers or reports.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher, subject to a background investigation.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Successful history of proposed and awarded research projects through external research funding.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary research projects.
• Expert‑level knowledge of high‑performance computing architectures and information systems.
• Experience with STAR‑CCM+.

Other Details

Fully on‑site located in State College, PA, but hybrid or work‑from‑home options may be considered based on project‑dependent ability. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications:
• Division Head (ARL) – Principal Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 19+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.
• Division Head (ARL) – Senior Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.

Background checks and security clearances will be completed in accordance with university policies. All employees must be eligible for a government security clearance and comply with the ARL drug‑testing program and monitoring requirements. Only U.S. citizens may apply.

Salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $203,808 – $336,300. A competitive benefits package is available, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, paid time off, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children.

EEO is the Law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.